Develop Bugs

[Q] Few questions about the N3N

Hello everyone!
So I'm looking at a new device, probably gonna get a new one later this year or beginning of next one. Currently this N3N is the one I have on first palce on my list, mainly for that awesome battery life and for being Samsung. Also this device has a great price-value rate here currently and price will even drop after Note 4 gets available. I have a few questions before I can be sure about getting the device though.
1. Isn't it too huge? I have a 4.7 inch device now, kinda convenient. Tried Note 3 before, surprisingly that 5.7 inch didn't feel too big, but still, I can't think about how I could handle something over 5 inches. Is it possible to use it one-handed in fullscreen mode (I mean without using the one-handed mode feature)? Can I reach all parts with my thumb if holding the device in hand?
2. Battery life <--> performance: The Exynos hexa-core chipset looks promising, is it really capable of handling a good balance between performance and battery life? I read amazing battery life results in that thread and didn't read any issues about performance. Any lags, stutters?
3. Are there any currently known ways of rooting without tripping Knox? I don't want to flash a custom rom (nor custom recovery) first, but rooting and removing all bloatware would be essential. Towelroot doesn't work: more people reported it doesn't and I checked the kernel and the futex patch is applied. Newer exploits might work (in the future), because no Samsung-made hardening code is enabled according to the kernel (the code is there, it just isn't enabled). Of course there is CF Auto-Root, but that's a no-go, because of Knox.
4. Does Xposed Framework work well? Some users wrote it does so I guess yes.
5. Does the S Pen fit correctly? I don't want to lose it when going around. Is it useful? I don't think I'm gonna use it a lot, but who knows!
6. Anybody tried S View Cover? I see it exists, still don't know if I want one, just asking.
7. Is there a binary counter, same as on older Samsung devices? What stuff is there in bootloader at all?
8. Is there an activation lock, like on Note 3? Like you can only activate it where you bought it.
I probably will have more questions over time as I get to know things, will ask them then.
Thanks in advance!

Hey Adam this is Kaushal from galaxy r forum
Sent from my SM-N750 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 08:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 PM ----------
All your questions will be answered by me! .
First: phone isn't too big it has smaller body than n2 and n3. I can use it one handed.
Second: there is no rooting without tripping knox . you are the only one who can do it without tripping Knox.
Thirderformance is great but will be greater if bloat is removed.
Fourth:s-pen fits perfectly. You can even use n3 s-pen if you lost your one which came with n3n. I personally tested it.
Sent from my SM-N750 using XDA Free mobile app

Hey Kaushal, thanks for the answers! The thing is, I'm not sure I want to buy the device until I know there's a safe rooting method for sure. :/ Downloaded the stock firmware today, gonna look around in there to see.

Hi Adam,
Haven't you been deeply involved in the LG 4x hd development?
I owned one but after i had lost it i went on to the note 3 neo.
I'm very happy with the phone. Too big for using it with one hand (for me).
Battery - performance ratio is superb. Battery is down to 4% now after 2d 5h and around 6,25h screen on.
I haven't rooted because of knox right now.
Waiting for an method without tripping it.
The pen comes in very handsome from time to time if you need to write down sth quickly or if you need to write longer texts.
Hopefully you decide to buy a note 3 neo.
Perhaps you can unleash some more potential of the device
Got it for 299€.
Sent from my SM-N7505 using XDA Free mobile app

Hello Adam,
Last month I bought a Note 3 Neo, as my first android device. I have been a long time iOS user. To be honest the machine surprised me. I realy love it, especialy the battery life. For me as well I get around 2 days without any problems.
One hand using is impossible for me too, but it doesnt disturb me, at least knowing that it is impossible, now I drive more safely since I dont try to answer a message..etc
I've rooted it two days ago but yeh I 've ruined the warranthy, but anyways I am not an experienced Android user, so if there was a way to do it without ruining the warranthy, I dont know.
Xposed Framework works well, I mean I installed it then I installed Wanam Xposed and it works very well.
Yes S-Pen fits perfectly, actualy i love using it for sketches while waiting people..etc, powerful enough for thumbnail sketching.
On 17th October I bought the Note 4, even tho it feels a higher quality, it feels also bulkier than the Note 3 Neo, and I miss the soft home button of the N3N, of course the hardware is much better and the screen quality, but i find out using my n3n at home time to time to browse internet when i am at home (without sim card ) more than the N4. So I would definitely advice you to buy one, May be you can check also the N3 since I think that the price will go down soon, and it is as good as N4 (more or less) and in my opinion has a prettier design.

Yes, I was developing for the O4X, still using the device, but need a change soon, that's why looking at the N3N too.
Regarding size I really have to try N3 again so I can experience it properly.
The problem with the whole Knox thing is that still we won't be able to flash real custom recoveries and kernels without tripping Knox. Of course we could use modules, but it's not the same as having a whole custom-built kernel.

What ?!?!? @Adam77Root here ?!?!?
Great news ! I'm happy to see you here.
My previous phone was a O4X and I followed your developement.
Here's the answer (compared to O4X) :
1 - It's all about the time,first days the phone seems a bit huge but now o4x seems really smal and the size of n3n it's ok.
If you don't have a small hand,you can use it without problems (i can reach the top of the screen with the thumb quite easily)
2 - Battery life is amazing compared to o4x (6-8 or even 10 hours screen on time and from 1 to 3 days of total usage,100% to 5%).Performance for now are great but o4x with a custom rom seems a bit faster but whit that battery life,trust me i'ts a different world.
Lags : no lags or not so visible IMHO
3 - Not already rooted so I don't know
4 - as 3 -
5 - yes,it is well fitted in the phone
6 - not tried 'cause I don't like so much and the original one it cost too much for me lol
7 - I can't answer to that question
8 - Ehm...what ? LOL
If you have some more questions,just ask

moss20 said:
8 - Ehm...what ? LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the Note 3, you have to activate the device before first use and on the majority of devices it has to be done in the same region (AFAIK network check is done) where it was bought, other devices (the minority) don't have the lock.

ok...I bought it in Italy on a local store for 280€ so it's not imported and it is not branded : I just paid it and I put my micro-sim card on it,I did't have to activate the phone.
On an italian forum I read that some people bought it on the web and sometimes the phone is not "italian" but is "imported" but the users use the phone without problems.
I suggest you to ask to someone that lives in your country.

Guys, does the device have FM radio?

Adam77Root said:
Guys, does the device have FM radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No!
Sent from my SM-N7502 using XDA Free mobile app

Is G3 a good buy now..?

Hello Guys..This is my first post in G3 forum and I need some advice from u guys.
I have been using Xperia SP for the past 2 years..Now Looking to buy a new handset.
My main requirement is 3GB RAM.I have looked through many phones with 3GB RAM. But my mind is sticking with G3. And my budget is very strict.So,I can't go for G4.
I need to use this mobile for atleast 2 and a half years from now.
The only thing which is nagging my mind is that G3 is already one year old. So will it be able to survive the next 3 years..?
And my next considerations are Xperia Z3 and HTC One E9+.
Should I go with G3 or those above phones?

I had before buying the lg g3 ( sony z2 and samsung s5)
And i have to admit... Both of these phones were faster than my lg g3 in terms of speed and multitasking...
Im running the 5.0 on my g3 and there is some lag here and there...
So i wouldn't recommend getting the g3 ...
Go with the sony z3 my friend ..

Only consider LG if you can think google have stoped developing android.

Right now I would go to OPO, price tag is the same but development and battery life are way better
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

Thank you all for your valuable replies..
Currently these things are confusing me...
1.LG G3- Already one year old...So it's a doubt that it will be able to survive next 2-3 years..
2.Xperia Z3- Same reason as G3. And I am already using a Xperia SP.Got bored with Xperia's design.
3.HTC One E9+ - My favourite phone within my considerations. But GSMArena review says that Graphics performance is very poor. And GSMArena user's comments are very poor for this phone.
4.OnePlus Two- Ready to wait until it's launch. But really worried about Snapdragon 810's heating issue. Company says heating issues has been solved.But it's not actually solved. They are just hiding the issue by underclocking the processor. They have not actually fixed it.

<repost> <deleted>

G3 or G4?

I've been struggling to make a decision between the G3 and the G4. The G4 obviously is the newer device with the better specs, but I didn't see any (official) cyanogenmod support yet for it, whereas the G3 has that going for it already. Having some custom roms available is a killer feature for me in a device. I already read that even only the european version (I'm from Germany) of the G4 can be rooted - is that the reason why there are next to no custom ROMs or kernels at all?
Do you recommend the G3 if I'm going for customizability or is the G4 going to get CM support eventually?
Thanks in advance for any help

vadsvads said:
I've been struggling to make a decision between the G3 and the G4. The G4 obviously is the newer device with the better specs, but I didn't see any (official) cyanogenmod support yet for it, whereas the G3 has that going for it already. Having some custom roms available is a killer feature for me in a device. I already read that even only the european version (I'm from Germany) of the G4 can be rooted - is that the reason why there are next to no custom ROMs or kernels at all?
Do you recommend the G3 if I'm going for customizability or is the G4 going to get CM support eventually?
Thanks in advance for any help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea about CM but I think we all have root now. I am using the Canadian model (H812) and we have root but no unlocked bootloader.
We flash things using FlashFire since we can't install TWRP. No idea about roms, I don't use them.

If you're looking for strictly customization you won't find much for the G4. Maybe you'd be satisfied with what's available as far as themes, Xposed, etc.
You can change things up quite a bit, but it's pretty far from a custom rom or kernels. If you're not in a rush maybe wait it out a bit to see if the G4 scene improves. In my opinion it's the much better device out of the two. If anything when you do buy the prices could be lower.
Sent from my VS986
---------- Post added at 07:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:22 PM ----------
I would also like to add that flashing roms can get old after a while. On my G2 and previous phones I was constantly flashing and changing things. Seemed like everything was buggy in one way or another. In the end I was happier with a nice phone where everything worked the way it should.
With the G4 I'm pretty happy with the stock software, sure I rooted and changed a few things appearance wise, and removed a lot of bloat ware. I'm stuck with a stock rom and recovery(stupid Verizon model), but that's ok!
Sent from my VS986

@rick09 Why do you think it's better? Other reasons besides performance?
But the G3 should still be a good phone, right? Currently, I've got an HTC One M7, on which the battery lift has gotten quite horrible... Now I don't really know what to get - I've thought about these (In brackets my concerns about them):
Moto X Play (No replaceable battery)
Oppo R7 Plus (Last gen processor, Huge but unreplacable battery)
LG G3 (Nice overall, but the G4 is newer)
LG G4 (No CM support yet)
Sent from my One using Tapatalk

vadsvads said:
@rick09 Why do you think it's better? Other reasons besides performance?
But the G3 should still be a good phone, right? Currently, I've got an HTC One M7, on which the battery lift has gotten quite horrible... Now I don't really know what to get - I've thought about these (In brackets my concerns about them):
Moto X Play (No replaceable battery)
Oppo R7 Plus (Last gen processor, Huge but unreplacable battery)
LG G3 (Nice overall, but the G4 is newer)
LG G4 (No CM support yet)
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok look, if you're going to buy one of these phones so go with the G4 H815 (not any other model! because of unlockable bootloader) it will get the cm very soon, the development is very fast,
BUT if custom roms are you're thing and you can't live without it so don't but lg at all, go for the oneplus 2 or the new nexus devices the n5x or the n6p

solokiller11 said:
Ok look, if you're going to buy one of these phones so go with the G4 H815 (not any other model! because of unlockable bootloader) it will get the cm very soon, the development is very fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm totally fine with CM, but will it really be actively developed given that only a small portion of the G4 users can really use it?
Sent from my One using Tapatalk

vadsvads said:
No, I'm totally fine with CM, but will it really be actively developed given that only a small portion of the G4 users can really use it?
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it will be and also bliss is in development but it will take a little more time to be really stable
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA Free mobile app

solokiller11 said:
Is it will be and also bliss is in development but it will take a little more time to be really stable
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help How's your battery life? That sweet 4100mAh on the Oppo R7 Plus is really tempting
Sent from my One using Tapatalk

vadsvads said:
Thanks for your help How's your battery life? That sweet 4100mAh on the Oppo R7 Plus is really tempting
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery is enough for the day but every night I have to charge it, not a problam at all!
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA Free mobile app

solokiller11 said:
The battery is enough for the day but every night I have to charge it, not a problam at all!
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I'm totally charging overnight. I also have a pretty huge powerbank with me all day, so that shouldn't be a problem. On my current M7 though, when my screen is on, my battery even drains while charging
Sent from my One using Tapatalk

vadsvads said:
Currently, I've got an HTC One M7, on which the battery lift has gotten quite horrible... Now I don't really know what to get - I've thought about these (In brackets my concerns about them)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just get your m7 battery changed then and stick with it ?
after two years its not going to be as good as new.

One Twelve said:
Why not just get your m7 battery changed then and stick with it ?
after two years its not going to be as good as new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The M7 is by no means a bad device but changing the battery is nearly impossible on that thing. Also, because of a hardware failure which affected the whole M7 series, all my low-light photos look like this which renders the camera totally unusable is some situation. The strongest reason for me wanting to get a new device is that my employer will pay it though, so I'm going to get a new phone anyways, it's just that i've only got a certain budget and the G4 would fit the bill, I think

vadsvads said:
The M7 is by no means a bad device but changing the battery is nearly impossible on that thing. Also, because of a hardware failure which affected the whole M7 series, all my low-light photos look like this which renders the camera totally unusable is some situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Service centre ? they do this work. replacing a camera module is no big deal either.
The strongest reason for me wanting to get a new device is that my employer will pay it though, so I'm going to get a new phone anyways, it's just that i've only got a certain budget and the G4 would fit the bill, I think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you like about the G4 ? seems you are more interested in roms.

One Twelve said:
What do you like about the G4 ? seems you are more interested in roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I'm even allowed to root the device since it's from my employer - Otherwise, the G4 is just an upgraded version of the G3, isn't it?
Sent from my One using Tapatalk

vadsvads said:
I'm not sure I'm even allowed to root the device since it's from my employer - Otherwise, the G4 is just an upgraded version of the G3, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What made you choose LG ?

One Twelve said:
What made you choose LG ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you wanna know? I just compared multiple phones (like the ones I already listed above) and I just like LGs approach when it comes to the removable battery and the choice to expand the storage via microSD
Sent from my One using Tapatalk

vadsvads said:
Why do you wanna know? I just compared multiple phones (like the ones I already listed above) and I just like LGs approach when it comes to the removable battery and the choice to expand the storage via microSD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what i wanted to know because some people don't care about that. Also you did not mention any other brands so was curious.
The G3 comes in two variants, 2 & 3GB RAM with storage of 16 & 32GB. The 3GB is the better choice. They did away with this in the G4 and its just 3GB and 32GB like the G2 and optimus G earlier for storage.
The G4 has a much better camera than the G3 which is the same one used in the G2 and flex models. The G3 is a capable auto shooter but the manual controls on the G4 mean more control and better low light ability. The aperture is 80% brighter.
The screen on the G4 is also better and brighter. This you will have to see for youself to decide. Then decide whether you are ok with the slight curve on the G4 that the G3 does not have. Roms will come in time but i see a number of people who are not bothered.
Have you seen the V10 ? will be more expensive since its 4GB and 64GB only. and the manual controls of the stills camera carry over to the video side as well. This right now isn't possible on the G4. The V10 is a little bigger though.
How much battery do you need ? mention your expected SOT/runtime.

I have H815 and have root, unlocked bootloader and flashed TWRP, please, get the G4. Getting a G3 is pointless. Think of the G4 as an optimised G3.

I had the g3 for a few days and it was full of lag and heat. Screen was also bad!
The G4 is a totally different phone. Everything about it is better except for size.

NocturnalDroid said:
I have H815 and have root, unlocked bootloader and flashed TWRP, please, get the G4. Getting a G3 is pointless. Think of the G4 as an optimised G3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your feedback
One Twelve said:
Have you seen the V10 ? will be more expensive since its 4GB and 64GB only. and the manual controls of the stills camera carry over to the video side as well. This right now isn't possible on the G4. The V10 is a little bigger though.
How much battery do you need ? mention your expected SOT/runtime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did hear about the V10, of course, but that will, at least on release, be way out of my price range of about 400-500€ I can use from my employer. Also, I can't add from my own money because law restrictions and stuff.
Battery-wise, I'm quite the heavy user - I commute about 2 hours a day by bus and have the screen on almost all the time, but battery's not really a concern for me as I have a 13k mAh powerbank and the possibility to charge at work.
I was also considering a Galaxy Note 3 or 4, as they also have microsd and a swappable battery but meh, it's TouchWiz. Also it's a teeny tiny bit too expensive for my budget.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk

Do anyone regret after purchasing LG G4 and why ?

Hey everyone. I made this topic just to discover who regrey buying LG G4 and the reason why they regret. If they dont regret then please let us know.
Sent from my LG-H818 using Tapatalk

Why?.I have it since a week and the phone is great,perfect.As an ex M9 user,the G4 is better IMO.
Waiting for 6.0.

No regrets after more than 4 months, you need a BT earphones for music as the 3.5mm is too low and some HTC ported apps to have a perfect UI (thanks Xpirt)

I didn't regret, but I do wish some things could be better (UI & Battery Life). Other than those, I've been relatively happy with my decision.
However, I installed the Resurrection Remix ROM last week and battery life is definitely better and the AOSP UI + CM13 theme engine is 100 times better than stock.

lastsamuraial said:
Why?.I have it since a week and the phone is great,perfect.As an ex M9 user,the G4 is better IMO.
Waiting for 6.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which variant are you using? For most devices 6.0 is out there and you can manually install it (With or without root )
EDIT: To answer your question: No ragrets. Not even an "a" for an "e" :laugh: Best phone out there.
Came from a Note 4, love the G4 (stock) the most! Not as much bloat and nonsense as the note 4

I sold my G4 just for modding. I like to mod and unfortunately G4 have a small community. Good luck , best 2015 phone if you dont mind to be on stock.

only thing i regret about the G4 is the inability of most G4 variants to have an official unlocked bootloader ughh damn LG

I regret it and also not. I owned at least half a dozen android phones in the past two years, and the LG was the real bang for the buck with a very great camera. However, this was the only phone I had serious issues with.
H815 - First unit came with the display acting up (stuck pixel clusters), and finally RMAd it, when the motherboard died. I received it back repaired (PCB changed), but the display is now worse than before, the problem is, that it only shows after a few minutes of usage and probably they did not notice it. Stuck pixels + different brightness levels around the stuck pixel area. RMAing it again...

I don't really regret buying it, but if I were given the option again, I wouldn't chose G4.
My LG G4 is flawless. Battery is OK, no bootloops, no stutters/lags, etc. However, I bought it right after it was put in the market for a not-so-budget price and, for my needs, an S6 would've be better suited.
I mean... don't get me wrong. But as far as I don't need a spare battery/expandable storage, S6 would be a better choice. I just got tempted for the 5,5 screen and camera.

Follow_and_Feel said:
Which variant are you using? For most devices 6.0 is out there and you can manually install it (With or without root )
EDIT: To answer your question: No ragrets. Not even an "a" for an "e" :laugh: Best phone out there.
Came from a Note 4, love the G4 (stock) the most! Not as much bloat and nonsense as the note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using H815T.My phone just boot up after flashing V20B KDZ with LGUP.6.0 looks smoother than LP.With V20C after restart comes up an error,but this error is not present with V20B.
Sorry,my english is not the best,that's why i do some errors.

I regret because I have weirdo half screen touch problem, it becomes crazy, but it's not a real problem, but there's still a problem so... and I don't have time to send it back, It does not have fingerprint sensor which is a shame for a 2015 flagship and it's plastic, we need some metal with leather...
But I bought it because of his camera, that's it.

have it for 6 months now (it is my only phone)
I regret:
- bad battery life (no more than 3h SOT)
- no unlocked bootloader / dead development scene (only a handful of ROMs, most are buggy and almost all of them are for H815 eu only models)
- bad sound over the earphones (really weak)
- no fingerprint reader (when all the other flagships have one)
- features that are essentially broken (still to this day), like tap to unlock

Lg v10 hands down would have been much better to have but lg g4 is still a great phone non the less

Overall i do regret.
I really liked the phone camera (front and back), screen, design and the option to remove battery and insert an sd card if needed.
But as i said before i never buy an LG smartphone again. They unlock the bootloader for just a single model and thats it. I like to customize and install mods on my phones, mainly to make it better, faster and that stuff, but my H815P cant be unlocked, and now here i am with a "Porsche that can't past 60mph"
Yet on the bad side, battery is not the best, some bugs even on the stock rom, and etc.
LG, never again. I prefer a not so good phone but that i can do whatever i want than this. Note 5 is the target now.

lastsamuraial said:
Im using H815T.My phone just boot up after flashing V20B KDZ with LGUP.6.0 looks smoother than LP.With V20C after restart comes up an error,but this error is not present with V20B.
Sorry,my english is not the best,that's why i do some errors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem So you're already on Marshmallow? Because you said you'd wait for it :laugh: But ok. Marshmallow's pretty nice Love it

Follow_and_Feel said:
No problem So you're already on Marshmallow? Because you said you'd wait for it :laugh: But ok. Marshmallow's pretty nice Love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was waiting for OTA or update to come through Bridge and couldnt wait more,so i used V20B KDZ and it's done with LGUP.Very smooth really.

regret and disappoint , all about the bootloader

I do ..because of the locked bootloader and i have g815p and i still didnt get MM

I moved to the V10 and I don't regret getting the G4 at all...because I still have it
These are similar phones spec-wise but in hand they are obviously quite different. I've had the G4 since July and just got the V10 a couple of weeks ago.
Already I keep trying to unlock the smaller phone via the non-existent fingerprint scanner lol!

youngchaos said:
I sold my G4 just for modding. I like to mod and unfortunately G4 have a small community. Good luck , best 2015 phone if you dont mind to be on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to remain in stock, the community worked out ways how to root. But the biggest downer is definitely LGs position on bootloader unlocking. We can have Lollipop root without BL unlock, but no custom ROMs, no root for Marshmallow :/
It's my second Android, my previous one is a rather ****ty Galaxy Ace from 2011. So yeah, compared to that, Im happy with rooted 5.1.

Should I buy it? (v400)

Hello guys and thanks for your amazing support and development... I have a question.. I am planning to get LG G PAD 7.0 the WiFi edition (v400).. I guess it's the best in its price in my country.. and I heard that if it came with Lollipop I am no longer able to install TWRP and Flash custom ROMs??? because this is a very important thing for me.. and in general terms.. is it good in performance and everything? thanks a lot in advance

Dr.TheMaster said:
Hello guys and thanks for your amazing support and development... I have a question.. I am planning to get LG G PAD 7.0 the WiFi edition (v400).. I guess it's the best in its price in my country.. and I heard that if it came with Lollipop I am no longer able to install TWRP and Flash custom ROMs??? because this is a very important thing for me.. and in general terms.. is it good in performance and everything? thanks a lot in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a nice budget tablet. I've had a V410 for over a year; its the lte version but otherwise the same tablet.
The screens don't have the greatest quality. Mine is a little spotty and has some backlight bleedthrough around the edges, and I've seen enough others complain about that to think it is a common problem. The 1gb a RAM is pretty limiting for multitasking. Don't expect fast switching between apps, they'll usually have to reload, and on rare occasion I've had the active task stopped by the low memory killer. This is somewhat improved on custom roms over the stock LG firmware, but still present.
The lollipop bootloaders are locked. Actually the kitkat bootloaders were locked too, but there was an easy exploit that allowed us to sign our own boot images.
If the new tablets are shipping with lollipop you'll have to use a kitkat kdz to downgrade the bootloader to run custom recovery and roms. Others have successfully downgraded the lollipop bootloader as long as you can get your hands on a kdz.
Personally if I was looking for a new (or lightly used) 7" tablet I'd probably favor a nexus 7 (2013) over this one. The nexus 7 has a little more powerful chipset, 2gb RAM, and a higher resolution screen, but if the price is right the g tab isn't so bad. G tab has microSD going for it over the nexus.